Can I smoke pot without being addicted?

The NIH reports that anywhere between 9 to 30 percent of people who use marijuana may be either physically dependent on it (they get withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it) or have what is called a marijuana use disorder (an addiction).

So yes, you can smoke pot without being addicted. A lot of people experiment with marijuana—especially in their teens or young adult years—and then stop as they grow up. Some people will recreationally use marijuana their whole lives without being addicted. There are regular pot users over the age of 65.

But for others, marijuana use can become problematic. Some research shows that using marijuana can set off psychosis early in people who are already at risk. People who develop an addiction may see problems in school, work, or relationships. And the habit can be expensive.

Marijuana is increasingly legal or decriminalized all over the country, so it may be okay for adults to use where you live. And it is possible to experiment without becoming addicted. You just have to be prepared for the consequences that come with that, which could include everything from losing scholarships at school to having to pay fines, or even go to jail.

DOING THINGS ON YOUR OWN

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Mental Health America (MHA) - founded in 1909 - is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans. Our work is driven by our commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services, and supports for those who need it; with recovery as the goal.

S2S (Screening 2 Supports) by Mental Health America is an educational program intended to help inform people about options they have in getting help for mental health issues. It may suggest tools and resources that offer information, treatment services, do-it-yourself tools, and/or ways to connect with others. It does not represent its results as an exhaustive list of all services available to a given individual for a given behavioral health problem, or as an endorsement of specific treatments or services, or as a replacement for treatment or services as performed by a qualified provider. This site is currently in beta. Please send any and all suggestions, comments, or questions to us at screening at mentalhealthamerica.net.